National theatre of Croatia • Trg Bana Josipa Jelačića square • St Marc church • Dolac Market • Mirogoj cemetery • Lotrŝćak tower • Katedrala Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije • Grič Tunnel
Day 01 • First steps
We arrived on a friday, right after our workday. We are lucky to live in France which is only a two hours flight away from Croatia. Since we arrived pretty late, we took a taxi to reach our Airbnb. We still wanted to eat locally after a quick search, we found this restaurant, The Pri Zvoncu restaurant, which is a little bit away from the city center but the menu seemed delicious ! And guess what ? IT WAS AMAZING !!! We had the traditional “Cordon bleu with gorgonzola sauce”. Funny thing because Cordon bleu is actually a French dish. But I have to say that I never had such delicious cordon bleu before.It was so worth the 2km walk from our Airbnb in the cold dark December night. ❄️
This Weekend started pretty well !
Day 02 • City tour • St Marc church • Lotrŝćak tower • Grič tunnel
🏰 HISTORY FACT 🏰
Zagreb was actually 2 different cities. Built on hills, facing each other. A river was used as a border, so the two cities were only connected by a bridge. Because of the number of battles opposing the two opponents,, the bridge was renamed “the bloody bridge”.
The best way to discover a city and to learn about its history is still to walk and talk with locals. We choose to do so with : Free spirit walk tour. We discovered the main part of town : Jelačića square • St Marc church • Lotrŝćak tower… Even if the number of tourists for one guide was a little bit too numerous ; about 50 people that day… 😯 which is by far the biggest walk tour I ever been in; It was still really interesting to learn about Croatia’s History, which is far from being an easy story. Not that long ago, the country was still divided.
Visiting Zagreb in December is also a great option. 🎄❄️🎅🏻 We spent a good part of the afternoon wandering in winter wonderland. Starting from the cutest church ever, St Marc church and its gigantic decorated fir, to the Christmas market. We were vibing so deep into christmas vibes we didn’t even notice when we entered the Grič Tunnel. At first that was a bit creepy, to be in that dark tunnel, but then we discover an even greater part of the christmas wonderworld. One of the tunnel wings was all decorated with christmas ornaments. This was really curious and insane at the same time.
🏰 HISTORY FACT 🏰
The Grič Tunnel was built during WWII as a bomb shelter. After the war it was used as a shorter way to cross the city. before regaining its sheleter function during Croatian independence war. Now it’s a touristic place, where art exhibitions take place.
🧙🏻♀️ FUN FACT 🧙🏻♀️
See that picture ? Can you spot the metallic sphere with all those pikes ? Long ago, there was a belief about witches, flying over roofs. Villagers decided to put those on their roof, thinking witches would be hurt if they come too close.
🔥 TRAVEL TIP 🔥 Be sure to be at 12pm sharp at the Lotrščak tower !
Everyday at midday, they fire a cannon to mark the exact hour. Actually the tower was part of a defense building in the 13th century. It’s in the 19th century that the 12pm cannon fire started. That way bells ringers from nearby churches knew exactly when to ring the bells. (Plus it was helpful to set up watches everyday, since batteries didn’t exist yet).
It’s also possible to visit the tower for 2,5€/per – 2019 prices. I wouldn’t go in it for the 12pm fire… since the view from below is way more impressive. We visited the inside for the sunset, after a long day wandering in this cute city, and that was definitely the highlight of our day. It offers an amazing view on Zagreb roofs and areas.
Day 03 • Last day in Zagreb • Mirogoj cemetery • Dolac Market
Our Airbnb was near the National theatre, so it was easy to pass by on our way. I’m not really into theatre… but I have to mention that it’s a really gorgeous building and it worth the detour. After this stop, we started the day with a quite unusual visit, the Mirogoj Cemetery. Yes ! It might seem weird, but in a way it’s also a great way to learn about custom. In order to be respectful of people mourning their beloved, I didn’t take that many pictures. The outside architecture was already impressive though.
🚌 GOOD TO KNOW 🚌 How to get to the Mirogoj cemetery by your own
We went to the Kaptol bus stop (which is near Katedrala Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije ) You can either take the bus number 226, 203 or the 106. We happened to hop on the 106, stopped at Mirogoj and entered the cemetery. (Which is free). We paid 6kuna return per person (about 1,30€) Just take the same bus in the opposite direction to come back 😉• 2019 info.
After a lunch break at Otto & Franck, where you can eat contemporary Croatian dishes in a modern atmosphere. We went to the Muzej Iluzija, Museum of Illusion. After waiting in the line for about 30-45min we were able to get in for 50kuna per person (about 6,70€). Even if I expected the museum to be bigger, this was still a really cool experience. I’m kind of amazed by illusions. But once back in France, I noticed that this kind of museum is actually popping up all around big european cities… so not that typical… 🤷♀️But still a good indoor activity.
Just enough time to enjoy a delicious ice cream & cookies at mm creme – cookie factory and it was time to leave… 😭
I think this city is perfect for weekend, especially during christmas, they take decoration really seriously ❄️ That was my first time in Croatia and now I want to see more !!
From France to everywhere 